The voters always have the final say
December 2009

Since the BC Liberals announced that they were breaking their election promise not to bring in the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), people across the province have been clear in their opposition.  There is opposition for a whole host of reasons including the increased cost to people on fixed incomes to the way certain industries will be impacted unfairly as they lose their tax exempt status. 

While I tend to agree with many of the points raised, the biggest issue for me as an elected official is the complete disregard the BC Liberals have shown for the democratic process. 

During the election this Spring, the BC Liberals pledged that they would not bring in the HST.  And they were elected on that promise.  They knew then that they could not get elected if they told the truth about their intentions.

A Kootenay cabinet minister has now admitted that the HST could be the issue that will defeat the government.  He was quoted as saying, “Maybe we’re wrong (about the HST).  If we’re wrong, the people will kick us out and I can accept that.  But we

believe we’re right.”

It is unfortunate for the people of British Columbia that the BC Liberals were not willing to put the issue so boldly before the people before the election.

The majority of British Columbians are opposed to the HST.  In fact, people are so adamantly opposed that a movement is forming to force the government to put HST to a referendum.

I would encourage each and every one of you to state clearly your position on the HST.  Write to the Premier (premier@gov.bc.ca), sign a petition, join an anti-HST group.

I firmly believe that if the opposition to the HST is strong enough, this government will back down.  In the end, the voters always have the final say.